Groundwater characterisation, monitoring and contaminant source assessment and groundwater modelling.
The Situation
The Koeberg nuclear power station is currently the only nuclear power station in Africa. It is located 30 kilometres north of Cape Town, on the west coast of South Africa. The power station had been operating for over 30 years and is ranked amongst the safest of the world's top ranking pressurised water reactors of its age.
Approach
Eskom required full groundwater monitoring study of the Koeberg site to assess contaminant sources and provide charecterisation, monitoring and modelling. The study determined the adequacy of the existing groundwater monitoring well network and groundwater flow paths with a focus on the source and fate of contaminants, allowing for early detection. A site-specific groundwater monitoring and protection program involved:
- Identifying all possible contamination sources
- Developing a conceptual model for the power station
- Assessing groundwater quality from monitoring reports
- Developing a numerical flow model to delineate groundwater flow, contaminant pathways, test scenarios and evaluate the adequacy of the existing monitoring network
Results
Advisian developed an effective monitoring program for the Koeberg nuclear power station going forward and installed groundwater monitoring wells to enhance and improve the current monitoring program.
